Jones + Gillian:: Married! {Greer City Hall}
Tonight I shot along side of Ben Robi and I have to admit... it was pretty fun. It was our first time shooting together and we didn't have a single glitch in the system! :o) .
We started off at a church in Greer where the couple had a beautiful ceremony. The groom made a special entrance and danced down the isle. Following the ceremony we headed to the reception at Greer City Hall for wedding party pictures. I took the ladies and Ben took the men. What a wedding party! 10 on each side! Whew... it was by far the largest wedding party I have shot to date.
Over all, it was a great night, a beautiful wedding and a lot of fun. It was a pleasure to be a part of your wedding day and allowing me to create a story through my art.
https://www.mirroredimages.net
Greenville Wedding Photographer | What is ‘Photojournalism?’
As you scroll through wedding photography business sites there’s a common word, photojournalism. If they’re all claiming to possess this technique then why are their images so different?
I went through my parents wedding album the other day(35 years ago next month, go mom and dad!) and saw a lot of posing and staged shots. These are shots I tend to stray from. It’s inevitable that photographs of the family with the B & G will need to be set up, but why stay in that frame of mind? Think outside the box and incorporate your surroundings to aid you in your creativity.
So the big question here is ‘What is photojournalism?’ Think about it for a moment; what is it that a journalist does? They find a story and they capture it through their descriptive words to insure that you feel as if you were there yourself when reading the story. A photojournalist has the same effect on viewers. As you flip through the photographs you feel the moment, you feel the emotion and you feel the real events of the evening. Weddings are full of emotion and should never be bottled up and contrived.
Creating the moment, setting the atmosphere, stand here, put your hand there… those are not traits of a photojournalistic photographer. The moment is already created and it is our job to capture it, as is. The atmosphere is beautiful and full of love, why change that? A good photojournalist needs more than just camera skills. Personality and people skills are just as important. A photographer must be able to interact with the guests and make them feel comfortable with the camera and with themselves. It is our jobs, as photographers, to capture the moment as it happens and to capture you and your guests flawlessly.
I personally like to be in the middle of the action. A lot of photographers prefer to stand in a corner so they’re out of the way. I agree with that to a certain extent. But when guests are huddled and having a great time, I want to be right there with them snapping away and catching every moment of it.
The publics perception of photography is not what it used to be. As I have stated in a previous article, anyone can buy a fancy camera. It is important that the public understand that photography is an art and a craft. A lifetime of memories should not be jeopardized in an attempt to save money so when planning your wedding make sure to leave room for a professional photographer. If chosen for the right reasons, you will never regret spending the extra money.
https://www.mirroredimages.net
Choosing Your Wedding Photographer
Brace yourself..... it's a long one....
Anyone can build a pretty web site, buy a fancy camera and post a few "lucky" shots in their portfolio. Consistency is KEY. With the professional camera's out on the market and easily obtainable by anyone who has the money, make sure your wedding photographer knows how to use their camera and knows what they're talking about. Ask them if they shoot manual mode, aperture, shutter or automatic. You'll be surprised in how many "photographers" shoot fully automatic(they may not admit to this), which means you could give a nice camera to a guest and they'll produce the same images. There will always be a few bad seeds that give photography (or any career) a bad name, these seeds are in it for the money, not for the art. What's the point in spending your life savings on a gown, flowers, center pieces, a cake, a DJ, etc if you don't have the professional images to capture it?
Be confident in your decision. Micromanaging your photographer will cramp their style and creativity. Do not choose a photographer because they're "ok" (and in your budget)and think you can mold them into the photographer you really wish you could afford. It won't happen, there's a reason why their images aren't up to par with the better photographer.
I get the "you want me to do what?" look all the time, but once the image is captured it's usually the pick of the litter. You've hired us because you like our style and feel it suits yours. You've hired us because you like our "out side of the box" approach and creativity. We are open for suggestions and will always ask if you have any additional poses or shots in mind, we aren't asking that this turn into OUR wedding. But you chose us for a reason.
A photographers personality carries just as much weight as the images they produce. If you do not feel a connection with the photographer, you will not feel a connection to their images. Price shopping is a bad idea. Finding a photographer that you feel inspired by and in aw of is the right idea. Search through local web sites until your eyes can no longer stay open. When you find it, you'll know. Just like your wedding dress, a photographer requires the perfect fit.
It is your job, as a bride, to research your vendors. Obviously you need to 'like' their work, but does the photographer make it easy for you to get a hold of them? Do they promptly answer your emails and phone calls and do they answer all your questions without having to ask again? If they post a wedding on their calendar how long is it before sneak peaks are posted?
Being in the wedding industry we tend to think of questions you may not have. The above is what is most important to me, if I were to choose a photographer. The below Q&A are more frequently asked and just as important.
Experience Level - We've photographed several weddings, we're very creative and try to bring something new to each wedding. I work fulltime as a paramedic and have a very flexible schedule! At this time I photograph on a part time basis.
Photographic Style - Our style is a mix between photojournalism, formal, classic and candid. We have examples of each style to show you and we will shoot which ever style you prefer. We offer both color and b&w photos.
Truth in Advertising - When we arrange a meeting with you it will consist of myself and possibly my second shooter. We will be the photographers working for you. We do not believe in sending a company rep to meet and smooze you and have a totally different person show up the day of your wedding. We do not come with any surprises.
Personality - We are very laid back, but business oriented. We have not found it difficult to work with any bride, whether your a bridezilla or not! (Kidding!)
Price Range - We are upfront and honest with all our prices. There are no hidden fees. We will work with you to meet your budget, but unfortunately can only work with you to a certain extent. The price of your package will be included on your booking proposal and you can choose to accept or reject the price.
Delivery - At this time we are guaranteeing your DVD of images 15 days following your wedding. After choosing your prints we will submit your order and delivery will take 2-3 weeks. Albums are custom made for each client and usually take 4-8 weeks for delivery.
Offering - We offer four premade packages and a "build your own" option. We have several add-ons that can be added to any package. We also offer custom packages to suit your budget and your needs. What you see is what you get, we do not change the product type or cost after the booking proposal is accepted.
Contract - All the obligations of Mirrored Images and the client are addressed in the contract. Our contract is very thorough and outlines all the "what-ifs". If you feel something needs to be added to the contract please email us your request and following approval, it will be added and a new contract sent. As I've said before, there are no hidden agendas or fees.
What about deposits and payments? In the unlikely event that Mirrored Images is not able to attend your wedding but a contract has been signed, another photographer will be sent at no additional charge to the client. This is outlined in the contract.
References - We have plenty! Personal & Business references are available upon request. However, if you click on the "real life" tab of our web site you'll be able to read a few that we have posted.
Do you have an assistant? We believe an additional photographer brings more to your wedding then an assistant would. Double the pictures, right?!
Do you have backup equipment and is it the same quality as the primary equipment? Yes! We have backup lenses and camera bodies!
What time will you begin and how long will you stay until? We come when you ask us to and stay until you leave, or until the time booked ends.
When will the proofs be ready? We offer sneak peaks which are posted on the blog and facebook. These will be posted within one week of your wedding date. We also offer proof books which take 2-3 weeks for delivery.
Do you mark your proofs? Yes
Where and how are your proofs marked? Bottom right corner of every image.
How much extra for unmarked proofs? We do not currently offer this option
Do you have tele-photo and wide-angle lenses? Yes, both
Do you work well with the other vendors? We work well with everyone! We like to network with other vendors so we can share our experiences with our future brides.
Can you work from a photo checklist that we create? We will provide you with a questionnaire that you can choose from and add your own.
How will you be dressed? We wear formal to semi-formal clothing at all weddings, unless the couple has asked we dress a different way.
Do you process and develop your own film and prints? We shoot all digital! We post process all our images and a local lab prints.
Thanks for taking the time to read our FAQ's! If you have any additional questions please contact us!
Weekend Overview
Whew! What a weekend. When we weren't shooting we were eating, sleeping or editing. But I have to admit I loved every second of it. We had zero cancellations and after seeing the images from each session I am so happy for that!
All my sneak peaks are posted on the blog and facebook! Go on over to Eric's blog and check for his images from the sessions. Thanks again to Eric for being a trooper; even though he wanted to be in Alaska all weekend we did our job and our clients are very happy. (The heat was BAD!)
We've received two testimonials back so far, here's what they're saying....
"Amy and I could not be happier with the way the shots came out. Jenn and Eric definitely captured the 'timeless' feeling that we were looking for. Amy and I tend to be pretty photogenic as it is, but shooting with Jenn and Eric really brought our personalities out and it is definitely portrayed in the pictures. During the shoot Amy and I were made to feel very comfortable and natural. We were definitely given just the right amount of direction to capture that playful nature that both Amy and I have in our daily lives. The end result came out far better than I could have imagined. Amy and I could not be happier with the final result."-- Danny + Amy
"Jenn and Eric met up with Evan and I, behind Island water sports in downtown Lake worth. I loved how well they communicated with Evan, and he had alot of fun posing for the camera. It was brutally hot outside so I was stoked that they got a bunch of shots in less than an hour. What I loved the most is that Jenn didn't hesitate to get down in the dirt to get the shots she wanted. And the best part is every single picture looks amazing. Thanks again!"-- Melinda
A few of my weekend fav's:
Matt + Lisa:: Engaged! {City Place, WPB}
Tonight is the last night we're in Florida, for now. After rain and thunder all day we were afraid we'd have to cancel Matt and Lisa's e-session. But, the skies turned blue and we set out to photograph one last couple. My favorite from the shoot is Matt playing golf while Lisa sun bathes. That picture says a thousand words, each of them were doing something they loved and we captured it in one shot. We stayed to play on the golf course for a few extra shots and raced to City Place in West Palm Beach to finish the session off before the we lost the sun.
Sneak peaks:
Danny + Amy:: Engaged! {Atlantic Ave}
Tonight we met with a wonderful couple, Danny & Amy. They've recently become engaged while on a trip to Orlando, Florida. They're such a beautiful couple; you can feel the love they have for each other by just being around them.
We started the session on train tracks and after a quick outfit change we headed downtown Delray Beach to Atlantic Ave, one of their favorite places to hang out. Eric and I could have, and would have, shot Danny & Amy all night if the sun would have stayed up. There are so many great locations and unique ideas we had to put on hold for now, but we also got a lot of great shots tonight. (We even took a short break for a few skating shots :) ) Danny and Amy congratulations on your engagement and thank you for allowing us to be a part of your journey. You compliment each other well and it's nice to see Danny so happy ;)
Now it's time for the sneak peaks!
Brook + Mike:: Married! {Poinciana Country Club}
Brook + Mike were joined in marriage tonight! The wedding took place at a Country Club in Lake Worth, FL where Brooks grandparents live. Congrats and may you share many years of love and happiness. Here are the sneak peaks, more to come over the next several weeks:
Florida: T-minus 20 hours
The count down starts! The gear is packed, the batteries charged, my new and amazing camera is fabulous and ready to shoot. Oh yeah, the clothes are packed too.
I am so excited to come home this weekend and we have a LOT planned starting with a funky / grunge session tomorrow night right after we arrive. Brook & Mikes wedding will take up Saturday and I can't wait to see what you all have planned! Sunday we're hanging out with lil Evan and his hot momma Melinda for a kiddie lifestyle session followed by an E-session with a wonderful couple, Danny & Amy. They are so much fun & artistic. I have some fun ideas planned for this shoot. Monday is the last day we will shoot in Florida. We are starting with a newborn session; lil Miss Rylee made her debut into this world just a few weeks ago! Later that evening is another E-session: Matt & Lisa. You all remember a few weeks ago when we traveled to the Bahama's and I shot Matt, my brother, proposing to his girlfriend? It's time for their E-session!
So many fun sessions and ideas are brewing in my head that I begin to forget I have a new camera to play with. No, not really. The camera is amazing, how could I forget? It is my new best friend and my only true love. (That's a little much, I know..)
I hope to at least post some sneak peaks on the blog and FB at the end of each night but we are going to have a TON of images to sift through and post - so this time it may take a few extra days. (If my OCD will allow it)
We'll that's it for now! I hope everyone has a great weekend and the rain stays away!
Lauren & RJ:: Married! {Ballantyne Hotel}
Congrats to Lauren & RJ. They had a beautiful wedding at the Ballantyne Hotel in Charlotte, NC. It was the kind most girls can only dream of. The ceremony was right off the 18th hole; where you had a view of a fountain, the hotel and the green. Cocktails and appetizers were served following the ceremony while we got to play with the wedding party. Finally, the reception. A wonderful meal was served, family & friends danced and laughs were had by all. It wasn't the women that fought over the bouquet, it was the men that fought over the garter!
Overall, such a beautiful event and we are glad we could be a part of it. Again, congrats to you, Mr. & Mrs. RJ Waite. May you have many years of laughter, happiness and love.
Florida Trip #4
June 11-15 Eric Mack and I will be in Florida to photograph a wedding. We are offering sessions to those interested so please contact me to schedule time with us. Time is limited due to wedding and travel so book now before we book up!
There are certain images WE are looking for and offering discounts to those interested in shooting the following:
Trash the dress (Prom dress, brides maid dress, wedding gown, etc)
Boudoir with a twist (Outdoor and indoor... you'd be surprised what we can come up with)
Grunge/Rock (For those willing to do something a little less ordinary)
Maternity & Newborn (Still offering our fabulous special!)